Housing Minister, Heather Wheeler MP has announced plans to update health and safety standards for rented homes
The plan will improve the quality of living for those currently living in unsatisfactory conditions in rented homes.
Despite most landlords taking pride in the homes they lease, some allow their renters to live in sub-standard homes with problems such as inadequate heating and damp.
Currently, local councils can force criminal landlords to take action using the Housing and Safety Rating System if found to be slacking in their responsibilities to provide safe living environments.
However, this system has not been updated in 12 years.
The Housing Minister has proposed a review of the system will look into whether the old system should be updated and is so, what will need to change.
The review will also look at whether to introduce minimum standards for common health and safety problems in rental accommodation in order to keep renters safe.
Housing Minister Heather Wheeler MP said: “Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their own home.
“These reviews will allow us to revisit the current systems for health and safety ratings and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure that both are fit for purpose and meeting the needs of tenants.
“By looking again at these rules, we can make sure that they are working as they should to keep people safe and give them peace of mind in their homes.”
Ministers have also discussed a review into carbon monoxide alarm requirements in the home.
It is estimated that there are 8 million carbon monoxide alarms in homes across England.
Current rules state that alarms must be fitted in privately rented homes with solid fuel appliances and when solid fuel stoves and boilers are installed.
The review will judge whether legislation goes far enough in keeping people safe from the risks of carbon monoxide in their homes, and whether there should be a stricter requirement to install alarms for other methods of heating, including gas and oil, and to social housing.
The Tenant Fees Bill, currently being reviewed by Parliament, will also bring an end to unnecessary, costly fees imposed by landlords or property agents.
The bill aims to end extortionate charges made by landlords to repair minor fixes in rented homes.
These new measures are hoped to improve the housing market so that it works for everyone by making renting fair and more transparent for all.
